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Our dogs are an endless source of happiness with the many quirks that they display. The internet is littered with pictures and videos of them amusing us to no end.
One of the more interesting sights has been the sploot, a position which seems almost unusual for them to take.
It’s funny to look at, but slowly, people have started to raise concerns about it being an indicator of lingering bone or joint problems.
So today, we hope to explain more about the sploot, if it could point to a health issue, and the best hip and joint supplements for dogs that you could get to help them if that is the case.
What is Splooting Anyway?
Splooting is a relatively new word that you may not have heard of, but you’ve most likely seen a dog doing it. It’s when they rest on their bellies and stretch their back legs behind them.
The term originally grew in use when a picture of a corgi in this position went viral online. It is not even a pose exclusive to dogs, as cats, ferrets, birds and more animals have been documented executing it. There are variations of the sploot as well.
The half sploot is when only one leg is stretched out behind while the other is tucked back under the body.
A side sploot is a little more interesting, and it includes one leg tucked under the body while the other is stretched out to the side. The pet in this case may also be lying on its side while they strike this pose.
Reasons Why Your Dog May Sploot
The sploot is indeed a cute pose for your dog to strike. It is only natural to wonder why they do it in the first place. If you find your dog splooting, it is likely due to one of the following reasons.
It Exercises their Muscle
Most dogs are naturally energetic and require plenty of exercises. Splooting is one way for them to stretch out their muscles before and after movement.
It Feels Relaxing
A good sploot feels great for a dog, especially as a way for them to rest.
It Helps to Cool their Body
For many dogs, this position helps to cool down their body. This is why you will most often see them splooting on a cool surface like tile during hot weather.
It May be Soothing Discomfort
This reason is far less likely, but one that researchers have noted all the same. A dog can assume this position as a way to alleviate a muscle or bone-related problem.
Is It Bad if Your Dog Sploots?
As already mentioned, it is perfectly normal for a dog to sploot. It is a relaxing position that helps them stretch or cool. However, it is important to remember that not all dogs routinely sploot.
Certain species of dog tend to do it more than others. This is because of their natural flexibility. This is okay, except if your dog starts to sploot out of the blue when it never struck the pose before.
When this happens it could be because the dog is dealing with an issue that requires them to stretch in this way just to find some relief.
The most common problem is a hip or joint issue, which occurs as the dog grows old, or after an injury.
It is important to pay close attention to your dog when they suddenly start splooting out of the blue. Of course, it could just be a natural behavior, especially if it’s a pup that is learning and copying other animals around them.
Health Problems That Could Cause Your Dog to Sploot
An Injury
Any sort of physical trauma that affects a dog’s muscles or joints may result in pain. They may sploot to find relief from the pain, rather than putting undue pressure on the problematic muscle or joint.
If this is the case with your dog, ask your vet for medication to help manage the pain and heal the troubled muscle tissue. Joint supplements can be helpful to get too, as they may help to accelerate the healing process.
Arthritis
As dogs age, it is common for their joints to become inflamed as the cartilage between them wears down over time, causing pain and discomfort.
This may also happen after an injury fails to heal properly or completely.
Although it sounds unavoidable, it is possible to provide relief for them from the aches and pains of arthritis. Bone and joint supplements for dogs can go a long way in making the condition manageable.
Hip Dysplasia
This is a genetic condition that is only common in certain breeds of large dogs. These include Great Danes, German Shepherds, Saint Bernards and Labrador Retrievers among so many more. It is most notable as pain and weakness in their legs, which can be seen in their wobbly movement or limping.
A lack of exercise, poor weight distribution as they grow quickly and poor nutrition may worsen the condition. They may sploot to help ease their discomfort.
Treatment often requires a surgical procedure and medication, but bone and joint supplements for dogs also go a long way in strengthening their frames.
Conclusion
So now that you’re well informed on why dogs sploot, the next step is to check on your pet to understand why they do it.
At best, you’ll be treated to the joy of seeing them strike a cute pose around you. Of course, this will depend on your dog’s age and breed.
Immediately seek medical attention for them if their sploot is unusual. Additionally, look into medication and So now that you’re well informed on why dogs sploot, the next step is to check on your pet to understand why they do it.
At best, you’ll be treated to the joy of seeing them strike a cute pose around you. Of course, this will depend on your dog’s age and breed.
Also read these important recourses for your dog:
Glucosamine for dogs dosage recommendations
Healthiest human foods you should be feeding your dog
